Shown are the top volume varieties of fresh grapes. Over 85 varieties are grown in California. Based on 2016 17 volume reported to the California Table Grape Commission. Blanc Seedless Pristine July November Very large, green, elongated, seedless berries IFG 68-175 Sweet Celebration August December 90-3618 Holiday September December Very large, red, round, C51-63 Vintage Red August January Large, red, oval-elongated, Princess July November Large, red, oval, Large, green, cylindrical, Sheegene-17 Sugraone Some fruit sold under names: Some fruit sold under name: Great Green Green Emerald Seedless Green Envy August November Superior Seedless May September Large, green, oval, Large, green, oval-elongated,
Autumn King Autumn Royal August January August January Very large, green, cylindrical to oval, Large, black, oval-elongated, Crimson Seedless Flame Seedless August January May October Medium-sized, red, cylindrical, Medium-sized, red, round, Red Globe Scarlet Royal July January Very large, red, round, seeded berries Summer Royal May October Medium-sized, black, round to slightly oval, June January Large, red, oval, Thompson Seedless June November Medium to large, green, cylindrical,
C A LI FO R N I A TA B LE G R A P E CO M M I S S I O N TRAINING GUIDE The California grape season begins in late spring when the first grapes are harvested from vines in the Coachella Valley, the state s southernmost grape growing region. The warm, desert climate helps ensure that fresh grapes will appear in markets in May. As the season in Coachella comes to a close in early July, harvest begins in the San Joaquin Valley and often continues into December. Varieties of both seedless and seeded fresh California grapes are available through January.
RECEIVING AND BACK ROOM GRAPE HANDLING TIPS Maintain a consistent cold chain. Place grape boxes immediately in refrigeration when received. The ideal condition for grapes is 30 32 F with 90 95 percent relative humidity. Keep grapes away from water or ice, as moisture will decrease their shelf life. Gently stack grape boxes in the cooler so that air can circulate around them. Dehydration of grapes will accelerate if they are stored near the cooling unit s direct air path. Grapes tend to absorb odor, so try to avoid storing them next to green onions and leeks. When stacking grape boxes, remember to keep them off the ground, as any excess moisture or a dirty surface may cause damage to the grapes. GRAPE DISPLAY HANDLING BEST PRACTICES* BAGGED GRAPES Grape bags stacked three high will start to show visible shrink at 48 hours of display. At 72 hours of display, if grape bags are stacked more than two high, the bottom stack will have almost double the visible shrink of the bags stacked above. If grapes are refrigerated, they can be displayed for up to 48 hours before visible If grapes are not refrigerated, grapes can be displayed for up to 24 hours before visible TWO-POUND CLAMSHELL GRAPES If grapes are refrigerated, they can be displayed for up to 72 hours before visible If grapes are not refrigerated, grapes can be displayed for up to 48 hours before visible FOUR-POUND CLAMSHELL GRAPES If grapes are refrigerated, they can be displayed for up to 72 hours before visible If grapes are not refrigerated, grapes can be displayed for up to 48 hours before visible *Plant Sciences Department, University of California, Davis, 2007.
MERCHANDISING AND DISPLAY TIPS When building a display, bagged grapes should be gently stacked no more than three layers high. Two-pound clamshells can be stacked up to four layers high, and four-pound clamshells in original shipper boxes can be stacked up to six layers high. These stack height recommendations will assist in decreasing shatter and breakdown of the grapes. Refrigerated grape displays will have an increased shelf life. Display grapes with proper country of origin signage as well as variety and price information. Maintain a good sanitation program. Remove any debris that can detract from the look of the display and damage grapes. Remove any poor-quality, tired and non-appealing grapes from the display. Abundant, fresh, high-quality and well-maintained grape displays generate increased grape sales. Create secondary displays to drive additional sales and highlight unique varieties. Expand display space for grapes and generate increased sales. CATEGORY MANAGEMENT RESEARCH After years of category management trade research, we have many proven strategies that will help you improve grape category performance. We know a lot about the grape category and would like to share what we know to help you sell more fresh California grapes.
For more information on training, handling or displaying fresh California grapes, please contact us at: California Table Grape Commission 392 W. Fallbrook Ave., Suite 101 Fresno, CA 93711-6150 Phone: 559.447.8350 Fax: 559.447.9184 info@grapesfromcalifornia.com GrapesfromCalifornia.com
392 W. Fallbrook Ave., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711-6150 phone: 559.447.8350 fax: 559.447.9184